Original Medicare (traditional fee-for-service coverage by the federal government) alone;

Original Medicare with supplemental insurance, like a Medigap or retiree plan; or

A Medicare Advantage Plan.

Most people have Original Medicare. This is the traditional program run by the federal government. It allows you to go to almost any doctor or hospital in the country. Original Medicare covers most of the health services that you need. If you have Original Medicare, you can see any doctor or visit any hospital in the country as long as that provide accepts Medicare.

To fill gaps in Medicare coverage, many people have additional insurance called supplemental insurance. You can get supplemental insurance from an employer or you can buy it from an insurance company in the form of a Medigap policy that specifically fills gaps in Medicare.

Some people get their Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage Plan. Medicare Advantage Plans are sold by private insurance companies and offer Medicare benefits. A Medicare Advantage Plans can be a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Point of Service (POS) plan, Provider Sponsored Organization (PSO), Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plan, Special Needs Plan (SNP), or Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA). These plans must offer at least the same benefits as Original Medicare, but have different rules, costs, and coverage restrictions.

If you have health coverage from your union or current or former employer when you become eligible for Medicare, your coverage may automatically convert into a Medicare Advantage Plan. You have the choice to stay with this plan, choose Original Medicare, or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan. Be aware that if you switch to Original Medicare or another Medicare Advantage Plan instead, the employer or union could terminate or reduce your health benefits, the health benefits of your dependents, and any other benefits you get from your company. Talk to your plan before switching to find out how your health benefits and other benefits will be affected.

If you would like to get the Medicare drug benefit (Part D), you must choose Medicare drug coverage that works with your Medicare health coverage. If you prefer to have

Original Medicare, choose a stand-alone drug plan that just offers drug coverage (PDP).

a Medicare Advantage Plan, in most cases you must get drug coverage as part of your health plan’s benefits package. (If you join a PFFS without drug coverage, an MSA, or a Cost Plan, you can get a stand-alone drug plan.)